How to help victims through ordeal of trial

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Cases such as that of Frances Andrade, who killed herself after giving evidence against her abuser, Michael Brewer, show a need for carePA

Matthew Scott

Published at 12:01AM, February 14 2013

Witnesses often say a court case can be like experiencing the crime a second time - reducing delays can lesson the harm

Even though we do not know exactly what led her to take her own life, the
terrible death of Frances Andrade after giving evidence against her abuser,
Michael Brewer, highlights both the pernicious effects of historical sexual
abuse and the indiscriminate, albeit unintentional, cruelty of the criminal
justice system.

It is right that those who commit such abuse are caught and punished. But
witnesses can pay a disproportionately heavy price for bringing that about.
Most people who give disputed evidence in court find it a deeply stressful
and unpleasant experience.

It is easy to see how being accused of malicious

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